Angels News: Shohei Ohtani on How He Was Able to Become a Two-Way Player

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani's baseball legacy could have been way different.

Shohei Ohtani has already established himself as the greatest two-way player in baseball history. However, he almost didn't pursue a career as a two-way player.

Ohtani's efforts as a pitcher caught the eye of MLB scouts when he was just 18-years-old. Ohtani was prepared to enter the MLB with his talents ready to exceed expectations. 

However, a shocking turn of events kept Ohtani in Japan for a little while longer. This arguably became the greatest decision of his career as he was able to completely round out his game. 

"The MLB scouts and some Japanese scouts, most of them spoke to me only as a pitcher," Ohtani said. "There wasn’t anyone who was looking at me as a pro baseball player who could bat. I didn’t think I’d have the option of doing both. So from among the choices of being just a pitcher, I thought I could go straight to the MLB and that would help me grow into a great player in the end. I did want to go. But I was then offered the option of doing both, and for the first time, at that time, only the Fighters made such an offer so I thought I would try and see how it goes."

The decision turned Ohtani into the two-way phenom he is today, as he was able to master his craft.

Of course, even with all the pressure in the world to do what he does best, he was able to become the 2021 unanimous AL MVP for his efforts on both sides of the ball. Ohtani now becomes a true trail blazer for all players looking to become two-way stars.